Tick tock. Time is running out on organizations that have not yet upgraded from Office 2013. On April 11, Microsoft is ending support for that version of the popular business productivity suite. Although all applications included in Office 2013 will remain functional after the shutoff date, Microsoft will no longer provide technical support, feature updates or security patches.
It’s always tempting to put off upgrading software that still works, but continued use can expose companies to potentially serious security risks and operational disruptions. The Department of Homeland Security estimates that about 85 percent of all data breaches involve unpatched software.
New vulnerabilities will almost certainly continue to be found in Office 2013 apps after end of support. Patches issued in January address information disclosure and security bypass vulnerabilities, as well as remote code execution vulnerabilities that could allow attackers to take full control of a compromised computer.
In addition to security risks, outdated software can impact productivity, limit automation and cause failures resulting in downtime and lost data. Incompatibilities with new software and hardware may cause older apps to stop working altogether.
The Business Perils of Aging Apps
Even if Office 2013 apps such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint seem adequate for all your current business requirements, continued use puts you at a competitive disadvantage. Apps introduced a decade ago simply weren’t designed for a world of remote work, cloud services and artificial intelligence.
For example, Office 2013 apps can’t reliably connect with important cloud-based Microsoft 365 services such as OneDrive, Exchange Online and SharePoint Online, which can impede collaboration among remote employees. The latest versions of Office apps have built-in intelligence and the ability to link with cloud services.
Many new features are explicitly designed to support collaboration among office, remote and hybrid workforces. Apps accessed through Microsoft 365 allow users to coauthor, edit and share documents across remote locations, offer real-time feedback and dictate changes directly into files, and access and save files securely from anywhere.
Subscription-based Microsoft 365 isn’t the only upgrade path for Office 2013, but Microsoft is clearly making it the most attractive option. Office 2021 and Office LTSC 2021 are the latest non-subscription releases of Office, but you can only install these versions on one device and there are no upgrade options. Plus, they will be supported with security updates only through Oct. 13, 2026, giving you just over three years before you’ll require another purchase.
Benefits of a Subscription Model
In addition to enhanced support for distributed workforces, a Microsoft 365 subscription delivers other valuable features. Enhanced security is a priority with built-in ransomware detection, advanced virus and phishing protection, password-protected sharing links and streamlined file recovery.
Most important, the subscription model ensures users always have the most updated version, and the latest patches and security features are automatically installed as soon as they’re available. Business versions of Microsoft 365 also include hundreds of security and privacy controls and integrated cloud storage.
Although the subscription model offers many benefits, migration can be challenging for organizations that are more familiar with Microsoft’s traditional volume licensing arrangements. The platform offers a wide variety of service plans and licensing options. In some cases, organizations may need to obtain different licenses for different personnel, depending on their job requirements and the features they need.
Don’t let that challenge deter you from making this important transition. Our Microsoft-certified professionals can help you evaluate all the options and choose an upgrade path that will serve your business needs and provide long-term stability. Contact us to set up a consultation.
